The use of music therapy components to promote interaction between a person with dementia and a caregiver

Background: Dementia is a neurocognitive disease with a high risk of social isolation due to loss of cognitive functions and subsequent behavioural and psychological symptoms. Mutual communication between a person with dementia and a caregiver is crucial to maintain the quality of life of the person.

Methods: The research team will explore a psychosocial model of care based on a humanistic, person-centred approach with a particular emphasis on maintenance of identity of the person and musical engagement. A qualitative, explorative study design will be applied to integrate different types of data (video recordings, interviews and consensus meetings). Two manuals: “Person Attuned Interaction” and “Person Attuned Music Interaction (PAMI)” for caregivers working with people with dementia will be developed and evaluated.

Results: This study is ongoing. Preliminary results from focus groups and consensus meetings with caregivers and music therapy clinicians and the first elements of the PAMI manual will be presented.

Discussion/Conclusions: Integration of person-centred care and mutual musical interactions between the person with dementia and caregivers is essential.